After years of playing an alternate version of Spider-Man in the Marvel Universe, Miles Morales has now officially replaced Peter Parker in the Spider-Man comics, becoming the first black Spider-Man in the official Marvel Comics universe.

So what does that mean for upcoming Spider-Man movies?

Well, we do know that Spider-Man will continue to be portrayed as Peter Parker (with a new, younger actor) in the upcoming Marvel film that’s due to be released in 2017. Beyond that, nothing is certain, and I wouldn’t hold my breath for a Miles Morales toplined Spider-Man movie – at least, likely not until we’re well into the 2020s. But, for now, in the comic book universe, the baton has been passed.

This news came a few days after a leaked email from Sony (uncovered by Gawker) revealed preference for a Peter Parker that must be "Caucasian and heterosexual" in any Spider-Man movies (which really shouldn’t be shocking to learn). But maybe change is coming?

Earlier this year, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Marvel Studios announced that they are bringing Spider-Man into Marvel’s universe (or is it the other way around?), in a new deal that will see the new Spider-Man first appear in a Marvel film from Marvel’s Cinematic Universe (MCU). Sony Pictures will thereafter release the next installment of its Spider-Man franchise, in 2017, in a film that will be co-produced by Kevin Feige and his team at Marvel, and Amy Pascal, who oversaw the franchise launch for Sony 13 years ago. Together, they will collaborate on a "new creative direction" for the web slinger.

Of course, social media was all abuzz about the possibility that Miles Morales might emerge as the new Spidey down the road, under this "new creative direction" that both studios have said they want to take the character. If it does happen, that would obviously be a very welcomed move. But again, don’t hold your breath.

In the meantime, you’ll have to settle for fan-made films like the one below from Bard Tales Productions, titled "Spider-Man Lives: A Miles Morales Story." Housed at spidermanlives.com, the short is written and directed by Ivan Kander who uses the character’s comic debut as source material I’m told, with some changes. I’m sure there will be more like this from other filmmakers – if there aren’t already – both good and not-so good. How would you rate this one?